DID YOU READ

You might not recognize the name the moment you see it, but rest assured that you know Warwick Davis. You’ve seen him in some of your favorite films without even realizing you’ve seen him. The veteran actor has played Wicket the Ewok in “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi,” Willow himself in the beloved film of the same name, Professor Filius Flitwick in the “Harry Potter” series and, the evil Leprechaun in all six of the “Leprechaun” films. On the eve of St. Patrick’s Day (a Leprechaun’s favorite holiday, of course) and the Video on Demand release of the cult classic “Leprechaun” movies, Davis was kind enough to sit down with us to chat about Johnny Depp, the little green guy he can’t get enough of, and how “Life’s Too Short.”

IFC: You’ve done six “Leprechaun” films now. I’d say that’s a pretty successful franchise. Do you have a personal favorite from the series?

Warwick Davis: I think number one’s cool because it was the one that kind of started it all and at that point, you know, who knew we would go on to make six. It’s amazing. I’m particularly fond of three and four. I like the comedy element in them as I’m fond of comedy anyway. I like the character in those. He’s a horror character but that sense of fun that he has, those films really bring that out quite nicely. I’d say one, three, and four.

IFC: The films tend to swing back and forth between horror and comedy. Do you consider the series to be more horror or comedy based?

DAVIS: I always described them as horror-comedy, but it’s very hard to say whether they’re more horror or comedy. What’s great about it is that there’s that contrast you get then. The comedy scenes are actually funnier and the horror is probably more horrific because it’s more unexpected in a way. If you just did a horror tone throughout an entire movie you almost, as an audience, can get a little bit used to it. But if you’re laughing one minute and, you know, somebody’s doing something quite horrific the next minute, it’s a little more shocking.

IFC: The series definitely seems to lean a little heavier towards comedy in the last few films. They seem to be having a little more fun along with the audience. Do you feel like, as you grew into your character more and more, it became more fun for you as well?

DAVIS: When you do films that have multiple sequels, you develop a character for a film. It was ever so fun on the first one because it’s really about finding this character from the script. I was given quite a free reign on what I wanted to bring to the character. Creating the voice and everything else. When you then get to do that again in the sequel, you feel more comfortable in that skin. You kind of know the character and then you’re given this new script and this new arena to play in and it’s just more fun then because the foundation is very solid within you from the character. You have your backstory from the previous film and then you go on to do a third and a fourth, it becomes so much more comfortable and so much easier. You then can explore the character further. It kind of happened to me in “Harry Potter” as well in a similar way. You end up knowing the character so well that it becomes such a lovely job to just roll onto the set.

IFC: So, are you ready for more fun? Is there going to be another “Leprechaun” film?

DAVIS: Listen, I’d love to do another one. This is probably – apart from “is there going to be a ‘Willow 2’” – this is the next most popular question: “When are we going to see another Leprechaun film?” There’s so many kinds of rumors and ideas flying around about what it could be.

I mean, I personally pitched “Leprechaun 7” to Johnny Depp. I said, “Look, obviously “Pirates of the Caribbean” has dried up a bit for you now. Why don’t we reboot that and “Leprechaun” at the same time by combining the two franchises together so that you’re sailing around on your boat and you’ve stolen my gold, perhaps, and I come along to try and get it back. And the movie rolls around this struggle between you and me.” And he kind of looked at me a bit blankly. (Laughter). I think that’d be great, though, don’t you?

IFC: Was this on the set of “Life’s Too Short?”

DAVIS: Yeah, “Life’s Too Short.” And I did actually, sincerely that’s exactly how it went. I pitched him exactly that. I think it’s good. Obviously pirates love gold. Leprechauns love gold. It’s a match made in heaven and it should happen.

IFC: At this point in your career, you’ve played an Ewok, a Goblin, a talking mouse, a leprechaun, a professor, and now a fictionalized version of yourself. What’s left to do? What’s next for you?

DAVIS: I’ve always managed to fulfill a lot of my dreams in acting. I’ve always wanted to do comedy and then “Life’s Too Short” comes up, which is the ultimate kind of way to express that desire.

I just love working. I think it’s something that people say oh, they want to be famous, they want to be an actor, and I always say, “Why do you want to do that?” They want the money. They want the fame. But that’s not really the right reason to do it. You’ve got to love acting and that’s true for me. I love the idea of getting on stage and getting in front of a camera. Whatever it’s for.

So, I think I’d be grateful for the next job. I always am. And I always consider everything I do to be the last thing I do. I’m never disappointed and I’m always excited when the phone rings and someone else says “Would you come and have a go and do this for us? Play this character?” and what have you. I just want to keep working.

The original “Leprechaun” is now available in High Definition on Digital Download, Video On Demand and Pay-Per-View just in time for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The third and sixth installment in the series are also available.

The Best Of The Last

The end is near. In mere days Portlandia wraps up its final season, and oh what a season it’s been. Lucky for you, you can watch the entire season right now right here and on the IFC app, including this free episode courtesy of Subaru.

But now, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the new classics Fred and Carrie have so thoughtfully bestowed upon us. (We’ll be looking back through tear-blurred eyes, but you do you.)

Couples Dinner

It’s not that being single sucks, it’s that you suck if you’re single.

Cancel it!

A sketch for anyone who has cancelled more appointments than they’ve kept. Which is everyone.

Forgotten America

This one’s a “Serial” killer…everything both right and wrong about true crime podcasts.

Wedding Planners

The only bad wedding is a boring wedding.

Disaster Hut

It’s only the end of the world if your doomsday kit doesn’t include rosé.

Your Portlandia Personality Test

Carrie and Fred understand that although we have so much in common, we’re each so beautifully unique and different. To help us navigate those differences, Portlandia has found an easy and honest way to embrace our special selves in the form of a progressive new traffic system: a specific lane for every kind of driver. It’s all in honor of the show’s 8th and final season, and it’s all presented by Subaru.

Ready to find out who you really are? Match your personality to a lane and hop on the expressway to self-understanding.

Lane 10: Trucks Piled With Junk

Your junk is falling out of your trunk. Shake a tail light, people — this lane is for you.

Lane 33: Twins

You’re like a Gemini, but waaaay more pedestrian. Maybe you and a friend just wear the same outfits a lot. Who cares, it’s just twinning enough to make you feel special.

Lane 27: Broken Windows

Bad luck follows you around and everyone knows it. Your proverbial seat is always damp from proverbial rain. Is this the universe telling you to swallow your pride? Yes.

Lane 69: Filthy Cars

You’re all about convenience. Getting your car washed while you drive is a no-brainer.

Lane 43: Newly Divorced Singles

It’s been a while since you’ve driven alone, and you don’t know the rules of the road anymore. What’s too fast? What’s too slow? Are you sending the right signals? Don’t worry, the breakdown lane is nearby if you need it.

Still can’t find a lane to match your personality? Check out all the videos here. And see the final season of Portlandia this spring on IFC.

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the final countdown to Christmas and thanks to IFC’s movie marathon all Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can revel in classic ’80s films AND find inspiration for your last-minute gifts. Here are our recommendations, if you need a head start:

Musical Instrument

Great analog entertainment substitute when you refuse to give your kid the Nintendo Switch they’ve been drooling over.

Breakfast In Bed

Any significant other or child would appreciate these Uncle Buck-approved flapjacks. Just make sure you’re not stuck on clean up duty.

Cocktail Supplies

You’ll need them to get through the holidays.

Dance Lessons

So you can learn to shake-shake-shake (unless you know ghosts willing to lend a hand).

Comfy Clothes

With all the holiday meals, there may be some…embigenning.

Get even more great inspiration all Christmas Eve and Day on IFC, and remember…